BURY Blue Devils coach Mike Nichols vows to win the MABL Championship outright this season after his side were denied promotion.

The Bury-based side thought they had a chance of playing Premier Division basketball this season following a third-placed finish and a play-off victory in the last campaign.

With both the league runners-up and the team who wins the play-off final considered for promotion, Nichols' has been been left disappointed after his side were denied promotion this time around.

"We felt we had a case because we finished third but also won the play-offs," he said.

"We beat runners-up YMCA twice and won the play-offs by beating the league champions Free City.

"To add to the frustration it is the second time we've been eligible for promotion and it's not happened.

"We were supposed to be promoted a couple of seasons ago but more teams entered the league so a restructure had to take place, which meant we didn't go up.

"We will remain in the Championship this year so our focus now is to win the division outright and I believe we have the team and drive to do that."

It is the second blow to hit the Blue Devils following the news that both the Stainton brothers will not be available for the start of the new season next month.

"Phil Stainton is out for a few weeks with a fractured cheekbone he suffered in the play-off final last season and it looks like we will be losing Chris following the Devils' merger with Lancashire Spinners," said Nichols, who is also the assistant coach at Manchester Giants.

The Blue Devils, who play at Bury Grammar School, merged with the Castlefield-based basketball team earlier this month and will aid the area club to create an elite junior programme for both boys and girls.

Boy’s basketball will be offered at the under-14s, under-16s and under-18s levels, while girl’s under-14s, under-16s and a ladies senior team will be fielded, all under the umbrella of Lancashire Spinners Bury. The Bury Blue Devils' men's team will remain independent.

"Because of the merger Chris isn't allowed to carry on playing and being a referee, so he has to decide what he wants to do," said Nichols.

"I know he really enjoys refereeing but at the moment he is taking some time away to consider his options.

"It's a shame because both of the Stainton brothers were key to our success last season."

With Chris Stainton's impeding departure, Nichols has captured the signing of Lithuanian Vitoldas Balciunas and is also on the lookout for several other players ahead of the new campaign.

"Vitoldas is a solid and intelligent player and I see him filling the gap that Chris Stainton will leave," he said.

"He will bring some size to the team.

"He's a great passer, good rebounder and he reads the game well.

"We are also looking at bringing in a couple of other players too."

With the new fixtures due out in the next couple of week's, Nichols is looking forward to derby games against local rivals Whitefield Mavericks.

"The Mavericks were promoted last season so will join us in the Championship this year. They share the same court as us so games against them will be exciting and likely to draw a good crowd."